An eerie shroud of mist slowly began to rise from the calm earth. A spire covered with Holly stood in the middle of the area, and seemed to command the attention of all that surrounded it. All that could be seen stood still, as if in calm anticipation of some event that was drawing closer. Today another unsuspecting someone would be caught in the mists and would start his or her new existence--for this was the famed Holly Spire, where all life in Cardea begins. A sudden and brief flash illuminated all the surroundings. When all was once again calm, their was a noticable change. A man was lying naked, cold, and shivering on the floor next to the spire. The man's name was "Steadfast", and this is a brief account of his history and mission in the land of Cardea.

The name Steadfast was all he knew of himself at first. Then suddenly an intonation from the heavens rang out: "Young Steadfast...you have been brought here for a reason. That reason will be made known to you in full at a later time. However it is your Destiny to be...Lightbringer to Cardea. Seek out those who may help you in this task." And with that the all fell quiet once more.

The mists faded and when all became clear, a mysterious woman stood next to Steadfast. She introduced herself to Steadfast and then offered him clothing. She then proceeded to show him the outlying areas and how to fight. These lessons he took in with great interest and soon became very skilled. He was never, however, to forget what the voice had told him when he first entered the land, and one day decided it was time for him to discover himself and his place in Cardea. He bid the mysterious woman farewell and thanked her for all her help, then went on his way.

As he was walking alone in the forests one night he heard a soft rustling in the woods at the side of the path he tread. He wandered off the path and into the thick of trees and brush. As he trudged along, he began to notice how at home he felt among the foliage. Suddenly he saw a lady clad in green standing in front of him.

"What are you doing here?", she started. He searched for what to say. He told her of how at home he felt among the trees, and of his great love of the forest. She then told him to follow her. Suddenly they came to a door that he hadn't even noticed before.

The woman went inside and then came out with several more green-clad folks. The woman asked him, "Young man what is your name?"

"My name is Steadfast", he replied.

She then told him, "We are some of the members of the Rangers guild, sworn to protect the forest and serve the Light. Are you interested in joining us?"

Steadfast suddenly heard the same mysterious voice he had heard upon his entrance to Cardea, "These are your friends whom you should trust. Join them and they will help you, young Lightbringer!"

With that Steadfast looked the woman in the eyes and said, "I want to be a Ranger with all my heart, to serve the Light faithfully and to protect the forest from all harm."

Steadfast soon found that he truly was at home in the forests. He learned how to search for and use certain plants and how to climb to unknown spots in the trees, where he could be alone with Nature. He took to hunting down anyone who would needlessly kill animals for their own pleasure, and leave their corpses rotting on the ground.

After some time he knew he needed to seek out Lord Revelation, and ask for His admittance into the Order of Light. Steadfast prayed to Revelation for a guide to help lead him into the order. One day after his prayer a man came to the forest looking for Steadfast. Steadfast warmly greeted him. The man told Steadfast that he was the High Priest of Light and that he was here to show him the ways of Light and, to help him join the order of Revelation. Steadfast grew very excited and enthusiastically thanked the man for coming. The Priest beckoned for him to follow.

They left the forest and went to a temple beautiful beyond description. There were roses everywhere and a gentle warmth filled the place. He noticed that he felt the same way there as he did in the forest. He knew this was a place he would grow to love. The Priest then began to instruct Steadfast on the ways of Light: to live in Truth and Honor, and to uphold Justice for all of Cardea. Steadfast knew the things that this man was talking about very well, as he felt them almost second nature. Steadfast expressed his desire to serve Revelation and told the man of his love of the things the man had described. Suddenly out of the nothingness appeared the Lord of Light Himself.

"Well done Steadfast!", he began. "I can tell that you truly love the Light and will serve me with all your being. The words you have spoken were your true feelings and you are counted worthy to join us!" With that Steadfast knelt before Revelation and Revelation layed his hands on him, and welcomed him to the order.

As time passed Steadfast eventually became a priest of Revelation; he has upheld his promise to both order and guild, and strives to live up to his title of both priest and Lightbringer. You will today find him hard at work throughout the land of Cardea serving his Lord without fail. If you are friend of Light, then in him you have found a friend among friends; but if you are a lover of the Dark, then you have found as sure a foe as you may ever see.

(Written by Steadfast's player)

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